Venom: The Last Dance Movie Review: Ultimately offers a mixed experience with uneven pacing

Venom: The Last Dance Storyline: In Venom: The Last Dance, Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and his symbiote partner, Venom, face their biggest and most dangerous challenge yet. On the run from human authorities, scientific researchers, and the alien entity Knull (played by Andy Serkis), the duo struggles with intense pressure from multiple fronts. Knull, a godlike figure from Venom’s home planet, is fixated on obtaining the Codex—an artifact hidden within Venom that could unleash massive destruction. As Eddie grapples with moral dilemmas and mounting personal struggles, he must decide between his own survival and the fate of his symbiotic partner.

This climactic storyline combines dark themes of power and loyalty with Eddie and Venom’s unique humor, culminating in a decision that could end their journey in a high-stakes showdown. The film mixes action-packed chases with emotional moments, setting the stage for a gripping final chapter in the Venom franchise.

Review: In Venom: The Last Dance, the storyline thrusts Eddie Brock and Venom into a multi-faceted conflict involving the “God of Symbiotes,” Knull, who is after a powerful artifact known as Codex, currently in Venom’s possession. With Knull’s plan to annihilate the universe in motion, Eddie, on the run after being framed for the murder of Detective Patrick Mulligan (played by Stephen Graham), faces additional threats from General Strickland (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and a team of scientists who want Venom for their own reasons. Alongside his struggles to clear his name, Eddie encounters a range of quirky characters in scenes that critics suggest add humor but sometimes detract from the film’s pacing and coherence.

Kelly Marcel’s script (co-written with Tom Hardy, who also stars) attempts to balance intense action with Eddie and Venom’s signature humor, though some scenes—like a Las Vegas stopover with Mrs. Chen (Peggy Lu) and encounters with eccentric scientists like Dr. Payne (Juno Temple)—veer into unnecessary detours. The visuals and VFX, especially in the high-stakes climactic battle with monstrous "Xenophages," are a highlight, offering fans a dose of grand spectacle and immersive CGI.

While Hardy’s performance is praised for bringing depth to the Eddie-Venom duo, other characters like Knull (Andy Serkis) and Strickland (Ejiofor) feel underutilized, leaving some of their motivations ambiguous. Fans of the franchise will likely appreciate the familiar bromance and humor between Eddie and Venom, but Venom: The Last Dance ultimately offers a mixed experience with uneven pacing. Although the movie contains some high moments and visuals, it is considered by many as a one-time watch for those seeking a complete, satisfying narrative.